Facial and lip licking is a potential route of infection from pet to human. Because pets lick their anus (butt), these bacteria can also be present in the mouth. Most human infection is generally due to oral contact of hands contaminated by the pet’s feces or fecal residue. The pets can be free of symptoms yet pass these bacteria in their feces (poop). coli, Clostridia and Campylobacter are intestinal bacteria of pets that can cause severe intestinal disease in humans. Little data are available to substantiate that being licked by a pet is a major means of infection The Center for Disease Control reports that most pastuerella and bartonella infections are the result of bites and scratches. Theoretically, humans can be infected by these bacteria by coming in contact with the saliva from a cat or dogs lick. It is the cause of a severe skin and lymph node infection called cat-scratch-fever. Bartonella henselae, a bacterium that is transmitted to cats from fleas is also housed in the cats’ mouths. Pastuerella is a normal inhabitant of the mouth in cats and dogs that can cause skin, lymph node and, sometimes, more severe infections. Diseases transmitted from animals to humans are called “zoonotic” (zo-not-ick). They can cause an assortment of medical conditions in humans. The mouth and the intestines of pets can harbor bacteria and parasites that can be transmitted to humans. However, routine veterinary care and simple sanitary practices can reduce fears that your pet’s lick is a family health risk. So, is pet saliva a health hazard or benefit? The answer is probably both. My blog from two week ago looked at new research suggesting that dog intestinal bacteria may have a protective role against asthma in children. Yet recent research suggests that the ancient practice of dog licking may indeed aid wound healing. She lists the numerous parasites and bacteria possibly present in pet saliva that may affect family members. Your veterinarian tells you to avoid letting your pets lick the faces of the family.
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